JONESBORO — Thanks to a $30,000 technical assistance grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Clayton County Office of Economic Development was able to get help on planning for a small business incubator that’s in the works at the former Social Security building in Morrow.
As part of the planning process, a business survey and stakeholder meetings were held and a report of those findings — as well as professional recommendations — was presented to the Clayton County Board of Commissioners at a Tuesday, Dec. 12 work session.
According to the presentation by Pipe Consulting CEO Kay West, some of the top programs that were recommended in the survey were funding (access to capital through lending, etc.), resources for start-up businesses, programs to specifically incubate businesses, permits and Licensing (a one-stop shop so that a business owner wouldn’t have to go to multiple places), and an accelator to help start-up businesses grow.
The top five amenities recommended in the survey were a conference room, WiFi, co-working space, computer later, and podcast room.
Stakeholder recommendations were similar and some of those recommendation were:
1. Allocate dedicated staff and case workers.
2. Enhance soft skills and customer service.
3. Provide tools and training for business formation.
4. Provide counseling services for business, financial, and personal needs.
5. Provide green certifications and micro-credentialing.
6. Establish an in-house resource center and library.
7. Create programs for existing businesses to grow and scale.
8. Offer social services and resources such as daycare during classes.
9. Provide a dedicated maker space and podcast studio.
10. Offer corporate mentorship opportunities and apprenticeship programs.
11. Incorporate movable furniture, power outlets, and charging stations.
12. Diversify tenants with…
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